ART OF MEDICINE

Ask This Doc: Q & A

Have you been wondering about anything?

Perhaps you have read something health-related on the internet but are not sure of its accuracy and would like the opinion of an impartial doctor…

Perhaps you just have a general question about how to improve your health…

I have noticed that many people have unanswered questions when it comes to health-related issues. Therefore, if you think I can help, I encourage you to ask them (of course this is not to replace your personal doctor’s advice, but just to offer you another source of information).

You are welcome to leave your question in the comment section or submit it to me directly.

*Remember, any information provided through this blog is solely for educational purposes and is not intended to be used in place of medical advice. Always consult your trusted health care provider before starting or changing any medications/supplements, diet, and exercise regimens.

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Hi Phoebe, thanks for such a kind offer. I’ve been having sleeping problems since having my baby – both in terms of falling asleep and staying asleep. I’ve always been a light sleeper but it’s gotten much worse in the past couple of years. I’d really appreciate it if you have any tips that you could share. Thanks!!

I’m really glad you asked this question, since chronic insomnia can really affect the quality of your days. I’m going to write a post (probably tomorrow) on some tips you can try for this, and we can go from there. Hopefully you will find some of them helpful. 🙂

Hi Mary. What medications have you been on, and where does your BP range? Sometimes if medications don’t even work, your doctors will do some tests to see if there is another reason for your high blood pressure. There are many “natural ways” to control blood pressure–if you haven’t yet, this post talks a little about non-medical ways that can help lower blood pressure (decreasing sodium intake is a big one). But I am a little more concerned that you have been on meds but that your BP is not responding…

Thanks for reply. It is not me with the high blood pressure but my partner. Put 160 over 120 at times. Most medications have not touched it and have produced all the side effects..gout and extreme tiredness. It seems before referral it is essential to try every medication known to medically man! We are trying no salt..we’ll less salt.

While there is not a way to “treat” a hernia without actual surgery, depending on how bad yours is, you can take measures to both prevent it from getting worse as well as relieve the discomfort it causes.

If you haven’t yet, I would recommend looking into a good hernia belt/truss or support brace. There are many out there, and how well they work depends a lot on personal preferences as well as the fit. To give you a place to start, here are two kinds that people tend to like:

Aside from that, as one of the things that can make hernias worse is straining, I would recommend eating a lot of fiber or taking a daily non-stimulating laxative (like colace) to prevent constipation. Wear loose fitting clothing that does not put pressure on your abdomen. There are some herbal supplements out there that claim to treat hernias, but none of them have been proven to work.

Unfortunately, these measure can only prevent hernias from worsening (not reverse it), and most hernias will eventually need surgical repair down the road. In the meantime, though, these measure can provide comfort so you can live your life.

I was a wonderin’ ’bout this cuz it hasn’t been poppin’ out lately ~ due, I believe, to less strain, better food, and mid-day siestas. Armed with you’re informative professional opinion, I shall now confidently show-up for my scheduled surgical procedure.

POETRY & MEDICINE

🌺 ABOUT PHOEBE 🌺

A lover of animals and a caregiver by trade who, through these scribbles, ponders over her days spent behind the white coat and her life alongside a lovable feline named Samantha and a gentle giant named George. 😊